Chelsea are expected to table their “first offer” for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, according to RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins.
The Blues have been locked in negotiations with Rennes for several days, and they have already agreed personal terms with the player.
However, Hawkins (who is a trusted source when it comes to French football) says that Rennes are not budging on their current stance – they do not want to let him go this month.
Despite that, Chelsea are said to be determined to find an agreement and they believe they have found a solution.
Jacquet could be loaned back for the rest of the season
As a compromise, Liam Rosenior’s team are prepared to sign the 20-year-old and then return him to Rennes on a temporary basis until the summer.
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To facilitate this, David Datro Fofana has already been recalled from his loan spell at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk.
Without the striker’s return to Cobham, Jacquet’s loan to Rennes would not be possible as the club had run out of foreign loan slots.
Chelsea still need to agree a transfer fee as well
Even if Rennes do accept this compromise, there is also a sizeable gap to bridge between the club’s two valuations of Jacquet.
Hawkins believes that the Blues’ initial bid will be close to €50m (£43.7m), while Rennes are hoping for a figure in excess of €60m (£52.4m).
Some reports have even suggested that the Ligue One club are demanding closer to €70m (£61m), but that may include add-ons.
For that reason, there is plenty of ground left to cover, and there is still no guarantee that Jacquet will become a Chelsea player. Fabrizio Romano says the club do have “three players on their shortlist” to strengthen the backline, so we shall see who ends up moving to Stamford Bridge.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here